Autism and Screen Time: 5 Signs Your Child May Be Getting Too Much
Yes, screen use is part of life
With summer upon us, many parents wonder about how to manage the extra time at home with the desire their kid has to be on their tablet, video games, cell phone, or other devices.
Sometimes, screen time is a necessity. We need to work, take care of other kids, and act as therapist/homeschool teacher/maker-of-snacks. If you have a fabulous autistic kiddo like mine, you’re may be juggling e-therapy appointments, summer school or camp, and the new anxieties that come with changes in routine in summer. And we do this alllll while the dog mutilates another My Little Pony and local crows raid the garbage so your front yard looks like you just held a raging party. Oh, just me?
But seriously, sometimes we, or our kids need a break. That’s normal and human.
Most of us know that the recommendation is to limit kids to about 2 hours of non-school screen time [insert laugh track]. Right now, this may seem so wildly impossible we just tune it out.
Watch for these 5 red flags:
New aggression
Worsening sleep
Less desire to play or be outside
Lower appetite or rushing through eating
No regular breaks (at least 2-3 hour intervals) in between screen use
In my own research with families (check out my publication here), I’ve heard from parents just like us, about how too much screen time can begin to really disrupt important things like sleep, socialization, physical activity (which leads to better sleep), and appetite.
How to change things up
If you’re worried that the screen use is getting out of hand, instead of focusing just on less screen time, find ways to add more quality moments to your child’s day or week. Start slowly! Even if it’s just 15 minutes extra of:
✔️ Reading together
✔️ Listening to a favorite online music station while doing an activity
✔️ Fresh air – literally, just dressing for the weather and being outside somehow
✔️ Quiet sensory activities like play-doh, bubbles, or washing fruits/veggies (my girl loves this)
Through many interviews with parents of autistic kids, I hear of real aggression or meltdowns that can come when they attempt to limit screen time. If that’s you, know you’re not alone. Reach out to your child’s medical team, especially mental health professionals or therapists, to get ideas for ways to transition that are less traumatizing for you and your kid.
In the meantime, press on. Know that you’re doing your best. And make sure your trash can lids are sealed became o-m-g those crows!!